Samarkand is one of the most ancient cities in the world. He found states and peoples that no longer exist. The heyday of Samarkand fell on the reign of Tamerlane. He made the city the capital of his empire. In addition, many of the architectural beauties of the area were created during that period. The followers of the ruler from the Timurid clan continued his work.
How much they have succeeded can be eloquently expressed by the high appraisal from UNESCO. Several architectural complexes at once are included in the World Heritage List. Mausoleums and mosques, even built at different times, look harmonious. And the Siab bazaar, it seems, has not changed at all over the six centuries of its existence. Registan Square deserves special attention - “a place covered with sand”. This is the pride of the entire Middle East.
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What to see and where to go in Samarkand?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Registan
The name of the main square of Samarkand is translated as “a place covered with sand”. At one time, all the areas of the Middle East were called Registan. Samarkand is dated to the 15th century and is known far beyond the borders of the country. In different periods, the square was a gathering point for troops, as well as a scientific center. Now it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A complex of three madrasahs played an important role in such a high assessment. Ulugbek was created almost simultaneously with Registan. Sherdor and Tillya-Kari were built in the 17th century. Madrasahs are not only beautiful, but also fulfill important missions: cultural, spiritual, educational.
Ancient settlement Afrasiab
Located in the north of Samarkand. The Loess Hills cover an area of approximately 200 hectares. In the past, the Sogdian capital was located here. Archaeologists began to explore the territory back in the 70s of the last century. During the excavations, terracotta figurines, glass products, and samples of tools were found. There is little reliable information about the appearance of the ancient city. By the 13th century, Afrasiab began to decline.
Gur-Emir mausoleum
Ancient tomb of Tamerlane. Hence the name, which translates as "tomb of the king." The building is impressive in size and has one high dome. For all its historical and cultural importance, the mausoleum is barely decorated outwardly. Tiles in soothing colors were used in the design: white, blue, light blue. But the tombstone in the crypt is much more unusual: it was made of dark green jade.
Shahi Zinda
A complex of mausoleums in the north of the city. Its name translates as "living king". The landmark was formed during the XIV-XV centuries. On the "street of the dead" one tomb for representatives of the royal houses and the nobility was attached to another. There are 11 main mausoleums, however, during the excavations, earlier numerous burials were also found. The latest of them is dated to the XII century.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Built at the turn of the XIV-XV centuries in honor of the beloved wife from Amir Timur's harem. In total, the complex includes three mosques: a large main one with a blue dome and two small ones. The best masters of the East were invited for the construction and finishing works. The yard was laid out with marble and surrounded by a covered gallery. The outer walls were covered with ornaments, the inner ones - with carvings, patterns, mosaics. Reconstruction is underway now.
Bibi-Khanym mausoleum
It was built simultaneously with the mosque. Judging by its appearance, it was originally attached to the madrasah. Externally, the mausoleum is not decorated with anything. Only a bright dome stands out against the general background. But inside visitors are mesmerized by the silhouettes of stalactites, which are painted in ivory. The sarcophagi in the crypt are marble. They were studied in the 40s of the last century. The remains of one of the women probably belong to Sarah Mul Khanum.
Siab bazaar
About 600 years have passed since its foundation in the Old City. Little has changed in the oriental bazaar. On an area of more than 7 hectares, there are many trade pavilions and rows. It is always noisy and bustling here. Bargaining is a mandatory component of any transaction. They sell a variety of products. Spices, oriental sweets and dried fruits predominate. You can reach here from Registan in 10 minutes.
Khazret-Khyzr Mosque
The first shrine appeared on this site back in the 8th century. It was named after the prophet who patronized travelers. Almost destroyed to the foundation, the mosque began to be rebuilt in the middle of the nineteenth century. The work took more than 60 years to complete. The appearance of Khazret-Khizr is typical for the Samarkand architectural school. In the interior decoration, the ceiling painting immediately catches the eye.
Mausoleum of Khoja Doniyor
The Old Testament prophet Doniyor, he is also Daniel or Daniyar, is revered in three confessions at once: Islam, Christianity, Judaism. His remains were brought to the city of Tamerlane. A mausoleum was built over the grave, there is a source nearby, and an almond tree grows. It dried up, and then, for some inexplicable reason, came back to life. In 2001, the tomb with other city sites was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Rukhabad mausoleum
Located in the central part of Samarkand. Amir Timur ordered to build a mausoleum in 1380 over the grave of Sheikh Burkhaneddin Klych Sagardzhi. The latter was known as a preacher, theologian and scientist. The area of the building is cubic in shape - 168 m², and the height is 24 m, including the dome. There is practically no wall decoration. They are covered with alabaster, only the arches are decorated with carved tiles.
Mausoleum of Abu Mansur Maturidi
The building was erected over the grave of the interpreter of the Koran. Nearby, according to legend, another three thousand of his colleagues are buried. Over the years of its existence, the architectural monument has become dilapidated and began to deteriorate. At the beginning of the 2000s, he needed a reconstruction. The mausoleum was not only repaired, but also supplemented with decorative elements. For example, quotes from Abu Mansur himself appeared on a snow-white marble tombstone.
Ishratkhona
An architectural monument of the 15th century. At the moment it is in a state of ruins. It was destroyed in stages, and earthquakes played an important role in its destruction. There is no clear idea of what Ishratkhona was used for. As an option - a place for burials of representatives of a noble family of Timurids. It was decided to reconstruct the object; the restored mosaic fragments have already appeared on one of the arches.
Memorial complex of Imam Al-Bukhari
Located at some distance from the city. It is one of the most important Islamic shrines in Central Asia. A mausoleum was built in the central part of the complex, where the remains of the imam are buried. The tomb, like its dome, is made in soft blue tones. A khanaka with a mosque is built on the left, and a spacious museum on the right. In it, Islamic exhibits are side by side with gifts from heads of other countries.
Ensemble Khoja-Akhrar
200 years after the death of Sheikh Khoja-Akhrar, it was decided to build a mosque and madrasah near his grave. Since the region is seismically active, buildings have been affected by tremors over time. They were reconstructed, which distorted the initial idea of the authors of the project. However, they returned to the restoration again so that the complex shone with its former splendor. Now this place is one of the most visited in the city.
Museum of Samarkand History "Afrasiab"
The building was built in 1970 in the northern part of the city. The exposition is divided into 5 rooms. The first contains archaeological finds. The second tells about the early history of Samarkand until the 6th century. The third contains evidence of the history of the conquests of Alexander the Great. The fourth is dedicated to the main religion of the city until the IV century - Zoroastrianism.And the fifth refers to the spiritual life of local residents.
Cathedral of St. Alexis of Moscow
Built in the neo-Russian style for a military unit at the beginning of the last century. Consecrated in 1912 and received the name of the Metropolitan. The green arch above the entrance and the roof of the same color stand out against the walls of the cathedral. After the revolution, the premises were given to the military. The dome and bell tower were destroyed. Later, a branch of the local history museum was located here. In 1996, the temple was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the re-consecration was carried out by Patriarch Alexy II.
Carpet factory "Khujum"
Although the enterprise is called a factory, it is operated by hand using only the primitive tools of the past. It takes about a year to create one carpet. It all depends on its size and the complexity of the pattern. Mainly national ornaments and their variations are used. During a visit to Khujum, tourists can observe all stages of the production process, starting with the parsing of the silkworm cocoon.
House-Museum of Sadriddin Aini
The exposition was housed in the house where Aini lived for over 30 years. He is a well-known poet and writer in many countries. Sadriddin was at the forefront of modern literature in his native country. He was persecuted for his views. The interior furnishings in the house are perfectly preserved. The museum covers not only the creative path and personal life of the writer. There is an exhibition of household items from the pre-revolutionary period.
Monument to Amir Temur
The majestic monument is erected on the university boulevard. Amir Temur is depicted sitting on a bench and leaning on a sword with both hands. His face expresses equanimity. This territory was developed back in the century before last. An alley of tall plantations divides the avenue into two parts. In the modern period, illuminated fountains have appeared here. The first European-style buildings in the city were built nearby.
Ulugbek Observatory
It is named after its founder, a Turkic astrologer and astronomer. Here, in the 30s of the XIV century, an astronomical catalog with more than a thousand stars was compiled. It received the name Gurgan Zij. The medieval historical monument was found in 1908 on the Kuhak hill. The full study had to wait about 40 years. The observatory has been reconstructed. One of the valuable finds is an impressive sextant.